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So, I’m back to writing about Kickstarters! I’m so sorry about not doing more of these. The Kickstarter project scene sort of died, and whenever I could find some good ones to talk about, they would either be already funded, or just ended. It’s a shame, because a lot of the bad apple projects ruin it for everyone else, who want to make good games but don’t want to worry about the need of big publishers. Granted, you fall into many more risks with being independent, but still. Luckily, I found some more to talk about, and I’m going to try to do these more often. Even if I have to do editorials covering just one, I will do that. Let’s get started with my thoughts on a current fan-favorite!

What do you get when you combine Kitfox Games, the developers behind Moon Hunters, isometric hack-and-slash dungeon-crawling gameplay, and the ability to date and romance the weapons you use? Well, you get the easily funded Boyfriend Dungeon! Yes, this game has you fighting off monsters in fast-paced action-filled dungeons, while also dating male, female, or non-binary characters, who just happen to be the weapons you use in said dungeons. You level them up by bonding, dating, and getting all kinds of romantic with them outside of the dungeons. It’s an honestly weird set-up for a game, but there is no surprise why this got funded so quickly. It’s a super charming game with this cute pop art-style, some lovely 2D visuals, and satisfying-looking combat, where each weapon you use is, in fact, different. The music by composer Marskye and vocalist Madeleine McQueen also give this pop feel to the overall game that gels really well with the different gameplay aspects. I wish there was some talks about bringing it to consoles, but if they do, I would love to play this on the Switch. I think Boyfriend Dungeon does something I wish more romance/dating/visual novel games would do, and be different. Don’t just rely on pretty 2D visuals and hopefully good or fun trashy writing to keep me invested. If this sounds at all enticing to you, I would definitely recommend backing this game, and picking one of the weapons to go out into the night clubs and dance!

Developed by Sudden Event Studios, Bombfest is another single-screen party game that puts you into these rooms around a house, but you play as toys in this wood block arena, tossing bombs at one another. The main goal is to knock the other players off. It has a few things going for it that makes it stand out among the other single-screen party games. It’s got an isometric camera and 3D graphics, which gives more wiggle room in terms of overall design and movement for everyone. Not that you can’t have great movement with the 2D party games, but they tend to be so similar to one another. That’s my only major concern. Bombfest looks like it would be fun and charming, but it’s heading into such a crowded market with still a lot to make before time runs out. I also wish it took the setting of the levels up another notch. It looks like it doesn’t really take advantage of its fun set-up idea for where the gameplay will happen. Still, if you like party games that can lead to lots of laughs, and like chaotic gameplay, definitely give this one your support.

You know how a lot of indie developers want to make action adventure games based on games from the 16-bit era? Well, here is another one, but in 3D. Developed by Dyadic Games, Sikanda is an isometric action-adventure RPG inspired by the likes of Secret of Mana, Terranigma, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. You play as either a male or female lead character, who ventures out into the world of Sikanda, and finds this mystical weapon that they must use to explore this magical land, find its mysteries, and save the world. If you have played any isometric action-adventure games, then you will be familiar with how this one will play. The main gimmick revolves around the weapon you find. It can change into different weapons that have their own advantages to combat and puzzle-solving. Just be careful, since using it will drain a meter by your health bar. If it runs out, you won’t be able to use its powers. I’m worried that it won’t make it, because while I don’t mind the low-poly look of the game, it doesn’t look as different as other games from this genre. It looks fun, and I think the Switch would be a perfect console for it, but I think people are starting to get tired of games being inspired by retro games, and not just letting them stand on their own. I hope it’s good, and if it looks at all appealing to you, definitely give Sikanda some support!

Developed by Taco Pizza Cats, this is the second attempt to get this Kickstarter off the ground. It’s an RPG-style game, where you play as a young man who must strive through life, dealing with the funny and pessimistic side of things. This is also while fighting supernatural demons. I mean, who doesn’t do that from Monday to Friday? While this game does have its jaded comedy vibes down pretty well, it also looks like one of those games that will be deeper, the more you peel back the layers. I mean, when you have a character dealing with mental illness, you have to find a way to ease into that stuff. The combat looks interesting, as you go to a different screen, use a special sword, and move around from four different spots to attack enemies and avoid their attacks. It’s an interesting little game that has a playable demo if you are curious. My only main concern is that the budget doesn’t look as impressive and enough for a game like this, and it looks like a lot of other RPGs I have seen on Kickstarter that look the same and have fairly similar tones. I hope it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Overall, it looks promising, and I’ll be interested to see how this game handles its themes.